Cranston East JROTC performs Change of Command

Change, for better or worse, is inevitable. But for the Cranston East JROTC it is a rite of passage; handing over command of the battalion for the upcoming class of cadets.

On Friday, May 26, in the CHSE gymnasium, members of the 28th Battalion staged the change of command ceremony between outgoing battalion commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Taing and incoming battalion commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Sparks.

Narrator for the ceremony was Cadet Sergeant Major Miliedy Urizar.

The service was presided over by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) John Murray, Senior Army Instructor for the Cranston High School East JROTC program.

The units that participated in the ceremony were from Headquarters and Headquarters Company commanded by Cadet Captain Samuel Villeda; Alpha Company commanded by Cadet Captain Robert Josephson; and Bravo Company commanded by Cadet Captain Pedro Saravia-Gamara.

The commander of troops was battalion executive officer Cadet Major Adrienne Gardner.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to Jincy Phann, former battalion executive officer for the 24th Corp of Cadets for her support of her sister, and to Mrs. Sparks, for supporting Zachary as he starts his command.

Jessica Taing gave brief remarks reflecting on her term as Battalion Commander.

“I have grown, not just as a person, but as a leader. We have built an unbelievable bond. I wish all of you the best of luck. I want all of you to stand tall,” she said.

Following the Forming of the Battalion by Cadet Captain Karl Oung, the audience rose as the National Anthem was played.

Urizar, then directed the guests to focus on the immediate front.

“The Commander of Troops, Cadet Major Adrienne Gardner, escorts the out-going battalion commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Taing on a review of the Thunderbolt battalion one last time. The reviewing of the command, or “trooping of the line” as it is often called, has been used by military commanders throughout history for the purpose of reviewing the state of readiness of their unit prior to battle,” she said.

The next part of the ceremony was the actual change of command.

“The Army officer’s sabre is a symbol of strength and honor; two traits that are much admired in the Thunderbolt battalion.  All Cadets are expected to continuously work on their physical, mental, and emotional strength while being honorable in everything they do. The passing of the sabre from Jessica to Zack signifies that it is now Zachary who bears the responsibility of leading by example. As battalion commander, he alone bears the responsibility of command and he must remain strong and honorable for the 29th Corps of Cadets,” said Urizar.

The change of command ceremony is a military event, rich with symbolism and tradition dating back to medieval times.  Throughout military history, unit colors have been used to mark the position of the commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point in the midst of confusion. In more recent times, the colors represent not only the history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its members.  The colors are a commander’s symbol of authority representing his or her responsibility to the organization.  The passing of the colors therefore represents the transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit from one commander to another.

The passing of the colors from the out- going commander to the Senior Army Instructor signifies that the Cranston East Thunderbolt JROTC Battalion is never without officer leadership.

“As the colors are passed from the Senior Army Instructor to the in-coming commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Sparks, the change of command is complete and responsibility for the battalion now rests with the new commander,” said Urizar.

“By authority of United States Army Cadet Command and Cadet Command Regulation 145-2 Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Sparks assumes command of the Cranston High School East Thunderbolt Junior ROTC Battalion.  Signed Lieutenant Colonel John E. Murray, United States Army, Senior Army Instructor,” she concluded.

The final phase of the change of command ceremony is the pass in review of the Corps of Cadets. The pass in review is a long-standing military tradition that began as a way for a newly assigned commander to inspect his or her troops.

Urizar asked the guests to rise for the playing of the Army song.

After the song finished playing, Urizar thanked everyone for attending the ceremony.